WOMEN OF THE ELCA HELD BAKE SALE

On Friday, November 20th, the Women of the ELCA at Our Savior's Lutheran held their annual fall bake sale. It drew a large crowd, provided a homemade baked goods and lunch for the community, and raised of money for the women's ministry, which will be matched by Thrivent Financial for Lutherans.

Doors at the Kerndt Brother's Community Center on Main Street opened at 10:30 a.m. The tables were filled with fresh baked treats including pies, cinnamon rolls, cream puffs, cookies, quick breads and more. A hot lunch was available of soups and sandwiches, coffee and cider. There were a few country store items as well. The new "Gather at the River" CD produced by Our Savior's was also available for a $5 donation. Below are photos of the event.

Bob Grover with his fresh loaf of bread.

The cashier's table

The "Country Store" table

The tables of baked goods

The hot lunch area and friendly servers

Shoppers pouring into the bake sale

Lee Bjerke and Grace Ziegelmaier greeted customers and handed out boxes

Carl Magnusson, happy about his hot lunch

The lunch area

Kim Timmerman with her sister

Karen Alexander after enjoying her lunch

The Women of the ELCA organization wishes to thank all those who made items and worked at the sale as well as those who supported the sale by coming for lunch and baked goods.

HUGE CROWD GATHERS FOR "GATHER AT THE RIVER" CONCERT

Our Savior's Lutheran Church released the album "Gather at the River" at a debut concert on Sunday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m. A tremendous crowd gathered to hear Horace Magnusson play selections from this recording and obtain their own signed copies of the album.

At the start of the concert, Pastor Laura Gentry introduced Horace to the eager audience.

Horace played selections from the album and additional numbers for about fifty minutes.

At the conclusion of his musical set, Horace received an enthusiastic, standing ovation from the enormous gathering.

A brief question and answer session was held to allow audience members to learn more about Horace's musical style as well as the process of recording an album. On man asked: "What inspired you to make this recording at age 90?" Horace simply laughed and pointed to Pastor Laura.

After the concert, Horace was busy signing his autograph on the albums while Betty Estebo assisted.

Many friends and family members were happy to be present at the concert and greet Horie and the church members during the reception.

Pastor Laura's father is pictured here greeting Horace.

Horace's son, Tom, explained how he keeps needing more albums to give his friends. He is pictured below visiting with Amber after the concert.

Monseigneur Ed Lechtenberg, long-time friend of Horie's, was happy to attend the concert.

Our Savior's member, Gayle Bahlmann, congratulated Horace during the reception.

Horace and his wife, Amber, were still smiling at the end of the exciting event.

ORIGINAL ART INSTALLED IN FELLOWSHIP HALL

Pastor Laura Gentry donated the five Lenten paintings she created for worship to Our Savior's Lutheran Church. They have been framed and installed in the fellowship hall. On Sunday, November 15th, they will be dedicated in worship. They are given in loving memory of her mother, Sharon Smith (1942-2009).

Each painting was carefully designed based upon a group of scripture passages with a particular theme. Pastor Laura meditated upon the texts, then created the painting. A new one was unveiled each Wednesday night in Lent of 2007 and used as the basis for the evening's message. Now, they have been permanently placed in the church for ongoing inspiration.

Eagle's Nest Gallery of Lansing dry-mounted each of the acrylic paintings on canvas and framed them. Owner John Schild also helped hang them at the church. Below, you can see him at work.

Here are additional images of the group of paintings as they look in the fellowship hall.

The painting below, entitled "Listening," is designed to help viewers focus on drawing near to God, listening intentionally for God's call. Read more about this painting & the accompanying scriptural texts.

The painting below, entitled "Peace," is designed to help viewers open to receive God's gift of peace—a peace that passes all understanding. Read more about this painting & the accompanying scriptural texts.

The painting below, entitled "Love," centers around a cross embedded in a heart—symbolizing how Christ's act of self-sacrifice was an act of love. The figures that embrace one another beneath the cross show how followers of Christ are called to love one another with the love they themselves have received from God. Read more about this painting & the accompanying scriptural texts.

The painting below, entitled "Joy," is designed to help viewers shine forth the joy of the Lord, just as the candles shine in each figure's hand. Read more about this painting & the accompanying scriptural texts.

The painting below, entitled "Healing," depicts a figure bent over in pain (bottom) that is given the healing waters of God and is transformed into the joyful figure at the top, living in the resurrected life of Christ. Read more about this painting & the accompanying scriptural texts.

To view more of Pastor Laura's art, please visit the on-line gallery she shares with her husband, William: www.thegentryjoint.com.

ALBUM DEBUT CONCERT

Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Lansing will be releasing the album "Gather at the River" at a concert on Sunday, November 15th at 2:00 p.m. The community is invited to attend this free event, which will be held at the church located at 480 Diagonal Street, a block north of Main Street at 5th in Lansing.

"Gather at the River" contains 20 old favorite hymns of faith played on piano by Horace Magnusson. At age 90, this is his first professional recording.

Hory’s vibrant style of music was developed over the years by playing in various dance bands throughout the region. As a lifelong citizen of Lansing and longtime member of Our Savior’s, he has shared his musical gifts by singing in the choir and periodically playing piano and organ for worship. He also volunteers to play piano each week for the residents of Thornton Manor in Lansing. Indeed, Hory’s music is beloved by many in Allamakee County and beyond.

This full-length album was recorded by Grammy Award winning sound engineer, Brett Huus, at Sound Strations Recording Studio in LaCrosse, Wisconsin on August 6th. Not only was the first time Hory had been in a recording studio, but it was also the first time he'd played a baby grand piano. Nevertheless, he performed brilliantly. Click here to read about the recording day and watch a video.

The art work on the album’s packaging, created by Pastor Laura Gentry, features the Missisippi River at Lansing, including the Blackhawk Bridge. This is fitting since it is truly a Lansing album.

Our Savior’s Lutheran Church decided to embark upon the unique project of producing a studio album in order to preserve and share the talents of Hory Magnusson with a wider audience. In addition, it celebrates the rich musical tradition of the Christian faith. The ultimate goal is for this album to uplift and inspire all who hear it.

The concert on November 15th will officially release the album. Hory will play a selection of songs from the project. Following his performance, CDs will be available for a suggested donation of $5 each. At this time, concert-goers will have the opportunity to obtain Hory’s signature on their CDs while a celebratory reception is held.

Click here for this story at the Standard newspaper site.

Please help us get the word out about this concert. Invite all your friends and neighbors.

ALL SAINTS CELEBRATION

On All Saints Sunday, Our Savior's held a celebration service, which began by worshipers lighting candles in honor and memory of beloved saints.

Don and Donna Thran's grandson, Mason, played a duet of "When the Saints Go Marching In" with Tom Bourcier. Everyone was grateful he shared his musical talents with the congregation.

Pastor reminded the congregation of how we are all saints by virtue of our baptism. To drive this point home, she had everyone pose with their face in the special "be a saint" painting she had made. We invite you to view this video for all the saint portraits. The music on the video is by Hory Magnusson and is featured on his new recording "Gather at the River."